Municipal Affairs
August 11, 2011
Firefighting Safety Enhanced as Communities Receive Equipment Funding
Several communities will receive more than $90,000 in new firefighting equipment, as the Provincial Government continues to invest in firefighter safety.
“Our government is pleased to continue to assist municipalities and fire departments in ensuring volunteer firefighters have the necessary equipment to perform the important work they do for our residents,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services. “Protective equipment and gear provides an important level of safety for fire departments across the province. As critical as modern equipment is to the function of a fire department, a dedicated and well-trained group of volunteer firefighters, like those found throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, is equally important for protecting residents in an emergency. I commend all our volunteer firefighters for their tireless efforts and am pleased to partner with these municipalities to provide financial support.”
Seven fire departments will acquire new firefighting equipment as follows:
| Department | Equipment | Cost-Share Ratio | Provincial Share | Project Total |
| Mary’s Harbour | 2 Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA), Hydraulic Extrication Equipment, and associated lifting bags | 90/10 | $19,658 | $22,853 |
| Port au Choix | 4 Complete Bunker Suits, 2 SCBA | 90/10 | $16,816 | $19,549 |
| Main Brook | 4 Bunker Jackets and Pants, 4 sets of boots, 18hp portable pump | 90/10 | $10,741 | $12,486 |
| Jackson’s Arm | 6 helmets, 3 bunker jackets and pants, 3 sets of boots | 90/10 | $4,563 | $5,305 |
| Burlington | 3 Complete Bunker Suits, 2 SCBA | 90/10 | $14,679 | $17,064 |
| La Scie | 2 SCBA | 90/10 | $8,739 | $10,158 |
| Middle Arm | 10 helmets, 10 sets of boots | 90/10 | $2,551 | $2,966 |
Funding for these equipment acquisitions comes from the Provincial Firefighting Equipment Financial Assistance Program administered by Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL). Fire departments successful in receiving funding have applied for the program with the support of their municipal council and have committed to cover their portion of the equipment through the previously established cost share ratios.
Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador maintains a $1 million allocation to fund equipment needs to assist communities, as part of an unprecedented investment in the municipal fire service. Additionally, $3.9 million has been allocated for new firefighting vehicles and a new Provincial Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit introduced to acknowledge the commitment of the men and women in the volunteer fire service. This year, the Provincial Government has allocated more than $6 million towards the municipal fire service this year.
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Media contact:
| Cheryl Gullage Public Relations Specialist Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-0857, 631-9962 cherylgullage@gov.nl.ca |
2011 08 11 2:10 p.m.